Driving in Slovakia vs. Sweden: Key Safety Differences
When it comes to navigating the roads, Slovakia and Sweden present distinct regulations and practices that every traveler should be aware of. From speed limits and lane markings to alcohol restrictions and use of signals, understanding these variances is essential for ensuring a secure and smooth driving experience abroad.
Lanes
| Slovakia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the left edge on divided roads. | Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing. |
| Markings: Double Solid White Line | No crossing in either direction. | Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions. |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads. |
| Overtaking: On Right | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left. |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
slovakia:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
slovakia:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
slovakia:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
slovakia:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Bus Lanes: Usage
slovakia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
slovakia:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Speeds Limits
| Slovakia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 20-30 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 90 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 90 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 130 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 90 km/h | 80-90 km/h |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
slovakia:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
slovakia:
20-30 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
slovakia:
90 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
slovakia:
90 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
slovakia:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
slovakia:
130 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
slovakia:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
slovakia:
90 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
slovakia:
Yes
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Slovakia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1] | Amber | Yellow |
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles | Proceed with caution, give way to pedestrians and other vehicles. |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Slovakia | Not common in Sweden. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when exiting. |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | Use is generally discouraged. |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | Fines may apply for misuse | Fines may apply for misuse. |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking. |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Not to be used to signal other messages | Not to be used to signal other messages. |
| Hand Signals: Permitted | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning. |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected. |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Slovak; symbols are standard | Swedish; symbols are standard. |
| Traffic Signs: Priority | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed. |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangular-shaped with red borders | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
slovakia:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
slovakia:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
sweden:
Proceed with caution, give way to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
slovakia:
Not used in Slovakia
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
slovakia:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
slovakia:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
slovakia:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
slovakia:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
sweden:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
slovakia:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
slovakia:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
slovakia:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
slovakia:
Slovak; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
slovakia:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
slovakia:
Triangular-shaped with red borders
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Slovakia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed | Not generally allowed. |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless prohibited by signs | Permitted unless prohibited by signs. |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left. |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed unless prohibited by a sign | Allowed except where prohibited by signs. |
| Special Turn Lanes | Yes, marked with arrows | Yes, marked with arrows. |
| Overtaking While Turning | Prohibited | Prohibited. |
Right Turn On Red
slovakia:
Not allowed
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
slovakia:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
slovakia:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
slovakia:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
slovakia:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
slovakia:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Slovakia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Requirement | Valid driver's license required | Valid driver's license required. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit required along with local license | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Mandatory and regular inspections required | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on windshield | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
slovakia:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
slovakia:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
slovakia:
International Driving Permit required along with local license
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
slovakia:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
slovakia:
Mandatory and regular inspections required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
slovakia:
Displayed on windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
slovakia:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
slovakia:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Slovakia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake. |
| Flashing Lights: Misuse | Discouraged, fines may apply | Discouraged, fines may apply. |
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic. |
| Lane Courtesy: Blocking | Discouraged and may be penalized | Discouraged and may be penalized. |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Only in emergency situations | Only in emergency situations. |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less frequent use compared to some countries | Rarely used except for emergencies. |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks. |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary | Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary. |
| Emergency Vehicles: Awareness | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights. |
Flashing Lights: Usage
slovakia:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
slovakia:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
slovakia:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
slovakia:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
slovakia:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
slovakia:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
slovakia:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
slovakia:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
slovakia:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Slovakia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.00% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.00% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% | Zero tolerance; 0.00%. |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs. |
| Zero Tolerance: Medications | Check if medication affects driving ability | Check if medication affects driving ability. |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common; checkpoints used frequently | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Can be substantial | Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level. |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe offenses | Possible for high levels or repeat offenses. |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
slovakia:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
slovakia:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
slovakia:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
slovakia:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
slovakia:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
slovakia:
Common; checkpoints used frequently
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
slovakia:
Can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
slovakia:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
slovakia:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Slovakia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Priority: Entering | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. |
| Priority: Inside | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly. |
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if turning immediately upon entry | Signal left if you plan to take the first exit. |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal right when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit. |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight | Use for first exit or straight. |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe. |
Priority: Entering
slovakia:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
slovakia:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
slovakia:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
slovakia:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
slovakia:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
slovakia:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
sweden:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.
Emergency Services
| Slovakia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | 158 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or Slovak Assistance Service | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: Traffic Police
slovakia:
158
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
slovakia:
Check with your insurance provider or Slovak Assistance Service
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
slovakia:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
slovakia:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Slovakia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; €50 to €300, points on license possible | Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed. |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | €50 to €150, points in some regions | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | €100 to €200, points in some regions | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | €100 to €250, points on license possible | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 15 days to pay | Typically within 30 days to pay. |
| Foreign Drivers: Fines | Same as residents; must be paid | Same as residents; must be paid. |
| Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment | Possible if fines are not paid | Possible if fines are not paid. |
Common Fines: Speeding
slovakia:
Varies; €50 to €300, points on license possible
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
slovakia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
slovakia:
€50 to €150, points in some regions
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
slovakia:
€100 to €200, points in some regions
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
slovakia:
€100 to €250, points on license possible
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
slovakia:
Common
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
slovakia:
Varies; typically 15 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
slovakia:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
slovakia:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.